Tracking open seats and uncontested races before filing deadlines close.
The Open Seat Project is a nonpartisan civic transparency initiative focused on identifying open seats and low-competition races before filing deadlines close, so more people can see where there is still time to step forward and run.
A transparency tool for local democracy
The Open Seat Project identifies open seats and low-competition races while there is still time to file — before deadlines close and opportunities disappear without most people knowing they existed.
Every record is sourced from official filing authorities, tied to a jurisdiction, and built to answer one simple question: is there still time to run?
→ potential open opportunity
Proof-of-concept states
Texas and North Carolina are informing the data model, verification workflow, and source strategy for broader rollout. The public search platform is currently in development.
Why your office may hear from us
When election data is not available online, we submit a public information request to the relevant authority. Our goal is simple: get accurate, official information — not guess at it.
Candidate filing lists
Names, offices sought, and filing status where publicly available.
Filing windows
Official open and close dates and filing instructions.
Office and seat inventory
Complete list of elected offices on the ballot, including seat counts.
Eligibility requirements
Statutory, charter, or rule-based requirements tied to specific offices.
Working toward the same goal?
Improving democratic participation requires more than data — it requires trusted organizations already embedded in communities. If your work touches civic engagement, voter access, local accountability, or government transparency, we want to hear from you.
Civic & voter organizations
Groups focused on voter registration, civic education, or local engagement who could benefit from open seat visibility data.
Academic & research institutions
Researchers studying electoral participation, political competition, or local democracy who want access to structured race data.
Journalism & media
Newsrooms and reporters covering local elections, government accountability, or democratic health who need verified race data.
Nonprofits & advocacy groups
Mission-driven organizations working to lower barriers to public office or increase representation at the local level.
We're early-stage and selective about partnerships — but if your mission aligns, we'd like to talk.
Get in touch →Need to verify who we are?
If you're an election office, journalist, research partner, or received a records request from us — reach out directly.